Administration of Medication Policy

While the Board of Management has a duty to safeguard the health and safety of pupils when they are engages in authorised school activities, this does not imply a duty upon teachers to personally undertake the administration of medicines.

The Board requests parents to ensure that teachers made aware in writing of any medical condition suffered by their child. This information should be provided at enrolment, or at the development of any medical conditions at a later date.

Non-prescriptive medicines will neither be stored nor administered to pupils in school. Prescribed medicines will not be administered in school without the written consent of parents and the specific authorisation of the BOM.

The medicine should not be kept by the pupil but be safely stored in the First Aid Room. Certain medicines, such as inhalers used by asthmatic children must be readily accessible at all times of the school day. It is the responsibility of the parent to ensure that the child brings the medication he needs to school each day.

The medication should be self administered if possible under the supervision of an authorised adult.No teacher can be compelled to administer medicine of drugs to a pupil. In the case of a serious medical condition it is important that the school are informed in advance of the child`s attendance so that the staff can agree with the parent on who can best administer the required medication in the absence of suitably qualified medical personnel.

In emergency situations qualified medical assistance will be secured at the earliest opportunity.Parents of a pupil requiring regular medication during school hours and/or emergency treatment involving the administration of prescribed medication in school, must complete the form appended to this policy document and send it to the BOM in advance of the child attending school.Parents are responsible for ensuring that the medication is delivered to the school and handed to a responsible adult, for ensuring that an adequate supply is available and that the medication is in date.The BOM shall seek an indemnity from the parents in respect of liability that may arise regarding the administration of the medicine. The BOM shall inform the school insurers accordingly. Request for administration of medication should be renewed at the beginning of each school year.